VANCOUVER, Wash., Sept. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Banfield Foundation®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the well-being of pets and communities, today celebrated its one year anniversary. In the first year alone, the foundation helped more than 50,000 pets by granting over $1.5 million to more than 150 nonprofit organizations in 40 states across the country.

Austin Pets Alive! (Photo by Seth Casteel)

"This has been an incredible year for the Banfield Foundation," said Marta Monetti, President and Chairman of the Banfield Foundation Board of Directors. "We are very proud of the work we have been able to do to make a better world for pets in the last year, and look forward to the even bigger impact we can make in the years ahead."

In honor of its anniversary, the Banfield Foundation is celebrating highlights from its first year:

Inaugural grant of $200,000 to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), in support of its Our Oath in Action® initiative, a program that gives veterinarians, technicians, assistants and staff members the opportunity to reach out and connect to the animal-loving public outside of the veterinary hospital.

Veterinary care for pets of the homeless at the Chapman Partnership in Miami, Fla.

An X-ray machine for San Diego Humane Society.

New equipment for the medical clinic at Austin Pets Alive in Austin, Texas.

Flea and tick control for the Coalition to Unchained Dogs in Durham, N.C.

An X-ray machine for the medical center at the Humane Society of Southwest Washington in Vancouver, Wash.

Temporary boarding costs for the pets of domestic violence victims for the Day One program at Cornerstone Advocacy Service in Bloomington, Minn.

New equipment for the Special Recovery Center at North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, N.Y.

Support for the Middletown Animal Hospital's care for pets impacted by wildfires through the California Veterinary Medical Foundation.

Support for the Humane Education Program for Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Virginia Beach, Va.

A digital radiography system for PetAid Colorado in Denver, Colo.

Nearly 2,000 microchips for pets at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

Critical care for the pets of the homeless, served through the Portland Animal Welfare Team in Portland, Ore.

Sponsorship of American Humane Association's Northeast rescue rig which was deployed 13 times in 2016, including responding to record flooding in West Virginia and Louisiana. American Humane Association also received a $10,000 veterinary assistance grant to provide necessary medical care to retired military working dogs like Isky.

Seven dental related grants, totaling $55,000, to shelters across the country enabling the organization to purchase dental machines in order to provide dental cleanings, conduct tooth extractions or take and analyze X-rays—the grant money was raised for the foundation through Banfield Pet Hospital's second children's book, "My Very, Very Smelly Breath."

Ninety-four Veterinary Assistant Grants which helps keep pets with their families and supports struggling pet owners in covering the cost of preventive and emergency medical care as well as medications.

The Banfield Foundation was established by Banfield Pet Hospital in 2015. While it is a separate nonprofit entity, the Banfield Foundation shares a similar mission and vision with Banfield Pet Hospital in its focus of improving the well-being of pets, communities and the science of veterinary medicine.

Learn more about the Banfield Foundation by visiting BanfieldFoundation.org or following the foundation at Facebook.com/BanfieldFoundation.

About the Banfield Foundation®

Founded in 2015 by Banfield Pet Hospital®, the Banfield Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the well-being of pets and communities. Our mission is to elevate the power of the human-animal bond, strengthen the pet welfare community, provide disaster relief for pets and advance the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education. We also offer support for all aspects of veterinary care and provide grants to nonprofit organizations in order keep pets healthy and in loving homes. For more information visit BanfieldFoundation.org or follow us at Facebook.com/BanfieldFoundation.